Hello beautiful friends! I am well on my way to filling my booth back up after the sad state I left it in for several months after our big move. What my booth is still desperately lacking though are smalls. Smalls are all the little things that help keep sales going when shoppers aren’t in the market for furniture. I just can’t seem to keep them.
Every once in a while I will go rummaging around in my stash and pull out a bunch of things that only need a quick paint job and go to town. I don’t normally share them here because they aren’t usually very exciting makeovers.
Here is the stash of goodies I collected to be made over:
Some of these items have been hanging around for more than three years!
I am splitting this into two posts because I ended up editing almost 60 photos! I will share the other half on Tuesday!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love!
Here’s a closer look at the pieces I’m sharing today:
Let’s dive in!
I started with this pair of candlesticks. I picked up the set for $11:
I loved all the amazing details on this pair, but not the finish on them so much.
I set up my Homeright Small Spray Shelter which is the perfect size for these smaller items. My new house is super windy so the paint cans worked great to hold the shelter in place. I gave the candlesticks a coat of Rustoleum Spray Primer to start:
I did this just to get a quick first coat on there, and I did this with most of these small items I redid.
Then I followed up with my DIY chalk paint in Behr’s Bit of Sugar. (Recipe with video HERE.) I could not locate my favorite brush for painting all those details anywhere, so I had to use this Zibra brush instead. The smaller size worked great on these details…
I sanded them here and there with 220 grit sandpaper and sealed them with Rustoleum clear matte spray. I love this sealer by Plaid as well, but I was out of it.
They look so pretty with their new white paint!
I love how detailed they are!
Up next is this sad little spice rack I picked up for 99¢:
I found a few of these in one thrifting trip several years ago and I have slowly gotten through them. This one seemed like a good place to store some favorite nail colors:
The little drawer is perfect for holding nail files, clippers, etc.
This next piece is from Home Interiors, and I paid $6.98 for it:
Like everything else, this got a coat of primer first as well…
Again, that was just so I didn’t have to hand-paint two coats. Then I used the same Zibra brush to chalk paint all those nooks and crannies. I could have just spray painted it and called it a day, but I much prefer the depth and texture that chalk paint has:
I decided not to distress this one, and sealed with the clear matte sealer as well…
As you can see I ended up turning it into a chalk board since the mirror had a few scratches. This would be so cute in a girl’s bedroom!
See how I make chalkboards HERE.
Up next is this napkin holder I picked up for $2:
I loved the vintage feel of it. It turned out to be quite cute in its coat of white!
We usually use paper towels for napkins at dinner, otherwise I might have had to keep this one!
I picked up this block of carved wood on deep clearance at TJ Maxx because the hook that was on it had broken off:
I know that thing has been hanging around for over three years! I removed the rest of the hook, and figured I could just add my own. I had one of these hooks left over from this chair-turned-shelf and it worked perfectly:
I was in search of a cookbook holder and had been keeping my eyes open for one for forever when I spied two at the Goodwill. I bought them both to see which one I preferred, and then the following week, I found two more in the same Goodwill! How funny is that?
So of course I bought those as well lol. I figured I would test them all out and see which one worked the best. My Mom claimed one of them right away.
Here is one that I paid $2.25 for but decided not to keep:
I loved it after I painted it though!
And it works great too…
I painted this the same way…spray painted the first coat, and handpainted with chalk paint the second coat. Again the chalk paint just gives it such a nicer texture. I sanded here and there and sealed with the clear matte sealer as well.
I did paint the one I kept as well, but never took a before photo…oopsie!
And lastly, how about a tray? I picked this up for $4 a while back:
I thought it was kind of ugly at the time, but brought it home anyway. I actually kind of love it here on my coffee table!
I love how the texture painted up:
I swear white paint makes just about anything look better!
Although nothing super creative happened here today, I hope it was still fun to see these smalls become something a little prettier!
I’ll be back with eight more simple makeovers on Tuesday!
UPDATE: See them all HERE now!
Have a beautiful weekend, Friends! 🙂
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Bonnie says
The goodness just keeps coming. Love everything you did. I also have smalls to work on and these gave me an idea how to do it. Have a good weekend.
Christy says
Thanks, Bonnie! I tend to neglect these smaller items for as long as possible lol, then I just need to get in and get them done! I hope you enjoy your weekend also! 🙂
Mary Kaiser says
Never under estimate or doubt your ideas for your blog! I Love what you bring to us every time. You may think that we don’t want to see how you transform the smalls, but I for one do. I think that when you show us things like todays post, it inspires us. It is a small project, but certainly achievable by most. I just wanted you to know that I love all your post, big and small projects, they are all beautiful and inspiring to me. Can hardly wait till Thursday to see the rest. Thanks for your great ideas every week!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! I will definitely keep your wise words in mind. I forget sometimes that these smaller projects can also be inspiring! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy you have taken some forlorn pieces and turned them into charmers! You know I adore the white paint. 🙂 I am now inspired to take a small, very dark wooden cabinet which I may paint white.
Have a wonderful weekend and may the smalls (and bigs) sell quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! Yes white works wonders for sure! Enjoy your weekend as well! XOXO
Melanie says
I, too, paint furniture and smalls and have a booth where I sell my wares. I am always disappointed at how long it takes me to sell the smalls. Mine are so very similar to yours.
Christy says
Hmmm I wonder why? I have mostly larger furniture pieces with the smalls spread throughout. When things aren’t moving, I move my booth around completely and this usually gives my sales a lift. XO
Kim Burt says
I love seeing what you do with the smalls. When I had my booth they were hard to come by because so many people here have booths. Love the white paint also. It makes everything look so fresh and new.
Christy says
Thanks, Kim! Luckily we have a ton of thrift stores in our area so I can usually find something when I stop in. Now getting it painted and back out of the house is the issue for me lol! And yes white paint works wonders! XOXO
Marianne says
I LOVED this post!!! I don’t think you should be afraid to post the smaller projects. Some of us are new to the upcycling process and don’t always have the time or courage to tackle a piece of furniture. These smaller items give me ideas of what I can do with smaller “treasures” I find!
Christy says
I am so glad you enjoyed this post, Marianne!! I forget sometimes that these smaller projects can be inspiring also! Thank you! XOXO
Susan says
That was great seeing all the smaller fun projects and how you transform them Thanks!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Susan! XO
JamieK says
These are just Fabulous! When I had a booth the small things paid my rent! ????. Super important when you have a a space! Paint is just amazing! Makes me want to walk through my house. Ha! Thank you!! Love em all! ❤️
Christy says
Thank you, Jamie! Those smaller items really do add up! This has even motivated me to look around the house for more ha ha! XOXO
Michele Branham says
Everything looks great! It’s amazing how paint can give sad pieces new life.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! Yes, paint can work miracles! 🙂
Cindy says
I can’t believe you said “nothing creative happened here”! I despise spice racks that are intended to hang on the wall….the spice bottles always get greasy and dusty, and unless all your spice bottles match, they never look good on display. I love that you turned it into a nail polish stand for the bathroom. That is super creative and looks great!
Christy says
I guess I didn’t realize that even the smallest of makeovers can be inspiring! So glad you enjoyed the spice rack idea…I agree that spices rarely look great on display! Thanks, Cindy! XO
Carol says
Oh boy! What a difference, so inspiring!
Christy says
Thank you, Carol!! XO
Mother Deer says
I like to see projects like this. I don’t always have a vision of what new paint can do for a small find. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Mother Deer! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love them all. Those are sometimes the most fun to do! I have a bunch hanging out over here too! Now that i have somewhere to take them, they might finally get a makeover! 😉 xo
Christy says
Thanks, Nancy! It feels so good to have all those little projects done…I tend to put off those that aren’t really blogworthy. I will have to share them like this more often! Yes you need to get cracking too ha ha! XOXO
Marsha says
Dang girl! You rock. I enjoyed this post as much as anything. It is AMAZING what white paint and little work will do! Love it! So inspiring!
Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Aww yay…so happy you enjoyed this one! I will have to share like this more often! XOXO
Christine says
I can make things pretty but I truly admire your ability to make things pretty AND repurpose them into something useful. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christine!! XOXO
Sue says
I always finish reading your posts knowing a little more than when I began! The important phrase there is “I always finish your posts,” because I do. I usually skim the several others I subscribe to but I always read yours from start to finish, including all the links to previous projects, even though I know I’ve usually seen them before. Your blog looks great, too–clever and appealing design. Can’t say enough good things. Carry on!
Christy says
This totally made my day, Sue! Thank you SO much for your very kind words!! XOXO
Debra Wise says
Christy, don’t underestimate your creativity! I love seeing the makeover of the smalls as much as the furniture. You inspire us with what you do, big or small, and help us to see the potential in an outdated item. I am always encouraged by your makeovers and see ways to recycle or update items for my home. Thanks for your inspiration and I can’t wait to see the next post of smalls! Good luck with your sales for your booth. I’m thinking these items should go pretty fast!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debra! I appreciate that! I will definitely share more of these smaller projects in the future! XOXO
Cecilia says
I love seeing the smalls for your booth! I love seeing your booth so I hope you will share a picture of that filled up! All of these are inspiring so please don’t feel like they aren’t worth sharing.
🙂 Cecilia
Christy says
Thanks, Cecilia! I will be sure to take pictures when I drop these items off! 🙂 XO
Cathy says
WOW!! Never underestimate the power of white spray paint and chalk paint! Love them all!
Christy says
Yes!! Thanks, Cathy!! XO
Cynnamama says
I do exact the same thing you do and I sometime keep them! I love the cloth napkins “holder”, what was it for before?
You do a beautiful job with anything and I love your blog!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cynnamama! I am the same…I want to keep so many things ha ha! I am guessing that napkin holder really was a napkin holder? At least I thought it was…that’s something I wouldn’t mind keeping! 🙂 XO
Michelle says
Hi Christy!
Thanks for sharing the Smalls!!! I’m just getting started and your information and inspiration is invaluable. Success with the small stuff gives me encouragement to tackle the biggies! I look forward to all of your posts. Best wishes to you!!!
Christy says
I thought these smaller items weren’t very exciting, but so many of you really enjoyed them. I love that! I forget sometimes that even the smallest things can be inspiring! Thank you so much, Michelle and good luck to you! XOXO
Roberta says
Actually, I love the smalls because I feel it is something I can tackle!
Christy says
That’s awesome, Roberta! I think many agree, so I will continue to share groups of smalls as I complete them! XOXO
Carole says
I love when you combine a bunch of smalls that you have made-over. They make a big statement when decorating our homes. AND, they can always be changed or refreshed if needed as you have proven in the past. I sure wish I could see your booth in person but it would be a weekend trip since I live in Michigan. Maybe one day.
Christy says
Thanks, Carole! Doing all these smaller projects at once even motivates me to keep going! Oh yep you aren’t very close to me at all, but maybe one day! Virginia Beach has a lot to offer in the Summer! 🙂 XOXO
Carol W says
My favorite blogger projects are thrift store makeovers!! I do a lot of these because my workshop \garage isn’t big enough for furniture makeovers. Keep them coming!
Christy says
A girl after my own heart! Thrift store makeovers are my favorite as well! XOXO
Paula says
It’s always a pleasure to open your emails and see what magic you’ve done. Thanks for taking the time to pass along your beautiful creations.
Christy says
Aww that was so nice, Paula, thank you for that!! XOXO
Denise Rocha says
FYI I purchased a really nice lazy Susan which I cover with foil and then use to spray pain my smells this way I can paint all sides and the lazy Susan is still in good shape to use in the jouse
Christy says
That is a great idea, Denise! And I saw your follow-up comment ha ha! There are typos in my posts all the time…no worries at all! Yours gave me a chuckle though! 😀
Kimberly says
I really enjoyed this post, Christy. I find that transforming smalls gives me what I like to call project momentum. Meaning, if i see some accomplishments it gives me courage for the bigger stuff. Seeing your smalls transformed makes me want to get busy!
Christy says
Aw yay! I am so happy you enjoyed this post, Kimberly! Now go get to work ha ha! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
I loved about all your “smalls.” I love your “vision” about pieces you can change and make beautiful. Wish I had your neat thrift shop! Go, girl!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sherry! Paint can fix just about anything. We are lucky as we have tons of thrift shops in our area! XOXO
Lisa A. says
Wishing at least one item might have been painted something other than white.
Christy says
Like I said in the post, this wasn’t about getting creative, it was about filling up my booth, and nothing sells like white! However if you come back on Tuesday, a couple of things actually got some color. 🙂
Kim from MI ???? says
I LOVED LOVED LOVED your smalls post Christy! ???? Especially the small spice rack turned nail polish holder!!!
What a great repurpose! I will be looking for those now! I never would have thought of that! Can’t wait to see the next batch of smalls! ????????????
Christy says
I am So glad you enjoyed this post, Kim! I need to share those smalls more often! And yes, that little spice rack wouldn’t hold much in the way of spices, but it’s perfect for polish! 🙂
Ange says
My favorite is the rose mirror-a simple but classy chalk board.
Christy says
Thanks, Ange! I looked around to see where I could use it here ha ha! XOXO
Becky says
This was a fun one! Maybe nothing grand or shocking happened with any of these little guys, but I sometimes forget (OK, a lot of times!) that a few minutes with some paint can make me love something again, not just tolerate it. I can also be an absolute chicken about just doing it- I mean, what if I ruin it!? (Duh, more paint!) Great inspiration here! Everything came out so pretty! Just like magic, haha!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Becky! I never realized ya’ll would enjoy these smaller makeovers so much. I usually don’t share them here, but I will more often now for sure! And yes, paint can absolutely make you love something again! XOXO
Susan Ronnfeldt says
They all look so pretty in their new white color! You have inspired me to get going on some old gold candle stick lamps I have hanging around. Thanks for the detailed instructions! As soon as it warms up around here I will be out in the garage with the spray paint and chalk paint! I love your blog!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan!! I love that you are feeling inspired!! XOXO
Regina says
I love the little changes you made to those pieces. My booth is full of smalls and actually that’s what keeps me afloat month after month. When I do sell a big piece of furniture that’s just the gravy! Thanks for sharing and can’t wait for Tuesday! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Regina! Those smalls really do add up, and I have been short on them for a while so I need to do another cram-painting session soon! XOXO
Jean filkin says
Love, LOVE all the smalls. I pick these up and put them to the side, now i need to get busy. Thanks for another great blog. You keep us thinking and creating
Christy says
Thank you, Jean! I’m so glad you are feeling inspired…now go get busy ha ha! XO
kathy says
I, too, have a couple of booths here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Smalls keep me in business. Your ideas are great! You are so so so so creative! Thanks for the inspiration!
Christy says
Yes, those smalls are so important, and they really add up! Thank you so much, Kathy! XO
kathy says
Thank you Christy for showing all the smalls that you made so pretty. I have many, so now i can pull from my stash thats been sitting around so long. I love all the furniture, but showing the small stuff is good to see. Keep posting, we all love it.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! I will definitely continue to share the smalls! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Your’re a power house, Christy!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Constance! It does feel good to have all those small things done! XOXO
Margie says
Love seeing stalls,inspires me. Always look forward to your blog.Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Oh good, Margie! I will definitely share them no matter how small from now on! Thank you! 🙂
Carolyn G says
I loved this post! I too need smalls in my booth and this gave me inspiration and incentive. Thanks!
Christy says
Oh yay, Carolyn! I love that you are inspired to get to work! This has actually inspired me to keep going too! XOXO
Michelle says
Agree with everyone. Show us all your makeovers, big or small! They all turned out great!
Christy says
Thank you, Michelle! I will definitely share those smaller projects from now on! XO
Marcie Lovett says
It might not seem like much to you, Christy, but I love seeing the transformations. You have such an eye for the hidden potential in these sad pieces. Paint is miraculous! Each of those things is so much better now and I predict they’re not going to last long in the booth.
Christy says
I love that ya’ll really enjoyed this post, Marcie! I forget sometimes that even the smallest of makeovers can still be inspiring! Thank you, and have a great weekend! XOXO
MaryJean says
This was great Christy! I have some smalls too and I keep thinking I have to transform them into something spectacular for my Etsy shop and you’ve shown me that all they need is a little paint to make them look great. I especially liked the idea of you having a link to your spray booth. That’s a decent price and I could certainly use something like that since my sons have currently taken over my garage. I plan on taking it back though.???? There is no reason why we can’t share it since it is a 4-car garage. I really liked your TJ Maxx find and the tray! People must think we are nuts when we take things that are so outdated, but little do they know what you or I are going to transform them into!
Can’t wait for Tuesday and more stuff! XOXO
Christy says
Thanks, MaryJean…so glad you enjoyed it! I don’t share a lot of these smaller projects because they aren’t very creative, but I realize now that they can still be inspiring! That spray booth is fantastic…I love it. And yes…take back that garage, or at least claim part of it since it is huge! XOXO
Joan says
Please don’t hesitate to show us ALL of your creations – big and small!! You have given me more “light bulb moments” than I can count! I love how you can see the possibilities in every trashure you pick up and then show us how easy it is to transform them. Thank you so much for sharing them!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Joan! I will definitely continue to share these smaller items from now on! XOXO
Susan says
Great great projects Christy!! You’re making me want to get motivated for Spring!!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan!! I love that the warmer temps are showing up here and there… it is so much easier to paint when the weather in nice! 🙂 XOXO
Julie Briones says
So fun!!! It’s like having 1/2 of March Madness in one day! Such inspiration, as usual! Thanks, Christy!
Christy says
Right?? This could have been 16 days of mini makeovers! Thanks, Julie!! XOXO
Denise says
OH GOD!! I was typing while waiting for the Dr. so sorry for the errors. I spray paint my smalls on a lazy susan that way I get all sides
Vivian says
Christy, everything you touch comes out beautiful! You never cease to amaze! I love it all and can’t wait to see the rest.
Christy says
Thank you, Vivian, I really appreciate that! See ya Tuesday! XOXO
Naomi S. says
My comment was going to be, “I swear, just everything looks better painted white.” But you already said that so I’ll just say I can’t wait to get some white paint and start slinging it around and see what I’ve got that I can improve!
I’ll be waiting for the second chapter of the “white paint sagas!”
Christy says
Ha ha it is so true… white paint makes just about anything look better! White paint sagas…that should have been the name of this post lol! XOXO
Mary says
Paint is a miracle worker. I love that you hand brush. At times I get lazy and just spray everything
I don’t have that tent a thinking I might have to pick it up. Thanks for sharing your cute stuff
Christy says
Paint is amazing for sure!! I love the texture that chalk paint, but I do cheat by spray priming first lol! Thanks, Mary! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
I am adding to the many comments that said they loved this post! I have been slowly redoing my house (and furniture) thanks to YOUR inspiration. I’ve started repurposing some items with paint thanks to posts like these! The furniture is amazing but PLEASE share the smalls too!! Thy are just as fun! Those candlesticks?? And mirror-turned-chalkboard?? I can do that!
Christy says
I LOVE that you have been inspired to work on things around your own house, Sheila! That makes me so happy!! I will definitely continue to share the smalls from now on! XOXO
Tina Matteson says
I love all of these, and I think you need to keep sharing these smaller items, because I see things like this at thrift stores all the time. And I need ideas for how to redo them! Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Tina! I will for sure be sharing the smalls again…it seems they were a big hit. Who knew? I do now! XOXO
Sheri Housman says
Christy, thanks so much for sharing your small projects as well as your larger ones.
I always look forward to seeing what you’ve created next. You’ve been inspiring to me to take the plunge into painting projects. Large or small they all look great with a facelift, Keep the enjoyment coming. Bless you!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sheri! Hearing that you have been inspired in some way is the best ever!! I will definitely keep them coming! XOXO
Holly says
I love seeing everything that you do!! Thanks for posting these 🙂 And I totally agree – everything looks better white!! Can’t wait for part 2 – XOXO Holly
Christy says
Thank you so much, Holly!! Yes white paint is the best! XOXO
Ivory says
All of these peices ar totally gorgeous, and I love tem all. I especially love the transformation of each peice. Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ivory! XOXO
Teresa says
You are the queen of taking scraps and turning them into something great!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Teresa! A little paint goes a long way! XOXO
Melanie Brook says
Thanks Christy this was a great post! These items are very important and I love keeping an eye out for “junk” that can be turned back into something beautiful with just a little effort! I love how you think and its very helpful the ideas you give, thanks so much!!
Christy says
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this post, Melanie! I will definitely continue to share these smaller items in the future! Thanks! XOXO
C. J. says
Two comments: I like the spray tent you use. If you will put one of those cheap little lazy susan things you find in kitchen cupboards, under your smalls when you spray, you can easily turn them and spray them without waiting!
Second comment: have you ever run into bedbugs when buying furniture to re-do? I took an upholstery class and someone brought in a footstool that was infested. I was so freaked out, I left with my chair and never went back. They are horrible, and it’s complex and expensive to eradicate them. I love fixing up old pieces to resell, but I am so on the alert after that. Any experiences?
Christy says
The lazy Susan is a great idea! And I believe I just answered your email… I have not experienced bedbugs yet, and I hope I never do! If they are a concern for you, I would just avoid upholstery pieces altogether! XO